Isabella as Villain In Northanger Abbey

Just as we discussed in class, I don’t believe that Northanger Abbey has a true villain or hero. There are definitely a few characters who are less likable than others, but none who truly have evil intentions. John Thorpe, who lies to Catherine—making her look bad—to convince her to go on a carriage ride with him, is one of these characters. He talks only about what interests himself and does not care for Catherine’s wants or needs. Another distasteful character is General Tilney, whose true intentions become clear when he forces Catherine to leave Northanger Abbey: he is only interested in befriending people who have profuse wealth like himself.

Of all the characters, however, Isabella Thorpe is in my opinion the most deplorable. Although she is outgoing, beautiful, and appears to have a very likable personality, it is all a show she puts on to fulfill her own selfish desires.

When she first meets Catherine, Isabella is quick to befriend her, more so than her two sisters, even though they are closer in age to Catherine than Isabella is. Isabella’s motive for building a connection with Catherine is simply to get closer to James, whom she pursues. Catherine, being her naïve self, does not realize this ulterior motive, and is only happy to finally have an acquaintance in Bath. Because Isabella is older and therefore more knowledgeable, she “had a very decided advantage in discussing such points” as comparing the balls and fashion of different cities (Austen 26). Catherine greatly admires her new friend, but it soon becomes clear that Isabella feels a sense of superiority over her.

Also, once Isabella and James start spending more time together, Isabella does not put nearly as much time and energy into her friendship with Catherine. While discussing her morning spent with James, Isabella tells Catherine, “I would not have had you by for the world; you are such a sly thing, I am sure you would have made some droll remark or other about it” (Austen 57). When Catherine refutes this accusation, Isabella responds with, “I know you better than you know yourself” (Austen 57). The condescending manner in which she speaks to Catherine is detrimental to their friendship. Isabella is also manipulative; her actions and words to Catherine are calculated to get the result she desires. Catherine becomes aware of this when Isabella is extremely persistent about her coming to Clifton. Catherine ponders that “Isabella appeared to her ungenerous and selfish, regardless of every thing but her own gratification” (79).

Isabella’s craving for wealth is evident when she starts flirting with Captain Tilney even though she is engaged to James. This is when her true deceiving and self-seeking nature is overtly proven. By the end of the novel, Catherine and Isabella are no longer friends, further proving that Isabella is not a positive character, and wasn’t meant to last. She served only as brief and artificial friend to Catherine, as well as a lesson that Catherine most likely learned from. In this respect, Isabella Thorpe was the closest thing to a villain in Northanger Abbey.